Skipper Brendon McCullum hit a commanding century as New Zealand beat Zimbabwe by 202 runs in the third ODI on Thursday, sweeping the three-match series.
McCullum’s 119 was his fourth century in this format of the game and came after a 153-run opening partnership between Martin Guptill and Rob Nicol that propelled New Zealand to 373 for eight, their third-highest total in ODIs.
Kane Williamson, Nathan McCullum and Tarun Nethula then shared six wickets as the hosts bowled out Zimbabwe for 171 in 44 overs. Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor top-scored with 65 from 68 balls.
Zimbabwe’s chances of challenging New Zealand’s giant total all but disappeared when openers Tinotenda Mawoyo and Stuart Matsikenyeri fell with the total at 14. Taylor and wicketkeeper Tatenda Taibu (26) put on 77 for the third wicket but when Taibu departed in the 21st over Zimbabwe was on a pedestrian 81 for three and the game was effectively over.
Brief scores: New Zealand 373/8 in
50 overs (B McCullum 119, M Guptill 85, R Nicol 61; K Jarvis 2/58, R Price 2/59) beat Zimbabwe 171 all out in 44 overs (B Taylor 65; K Williamson 2/13, N McCullum 2/21, T Nethula 2/41)
by 202 runs
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